Can coconut oil damage your teeth?

Current research shows that coconut oil may help to decrease plaque buildup on your teeth and reduce inflammation to fight gum disease. In one pilot study, oil pulling with coconut oil for 30 days significantly decreased plaque buildup and signs of gingivitis in 60 participants with plaque-induced gum disease ( 12 ).

Does coconut oil make your teeth yellow?

Does It Really Work? There is good news and bad news. The good news is that using coconut oil on your teeth is unlikely to cause any damage. The bad news is that it won't whiten your teeth.

Is coconut oil good for tooth enamel?

While you can get the same bacteria-fighting benefits with sesame or sunflower oil, coconut oil has the added benefit of lauric acid, which is well-known for its anti-microbial agents, Emery says, making it more effective. Also, a recent study found that coconut oil may help prevent tooth decay.

How often should I use coconut oil on my teeth?

Streptococcus mutans is one of the main bacteria in your mouth and a key player in plaque buildup and tooth decay. One study in 60 adults showed that oil pulling with coconut oil for 10 minutes every day significantly reduced the number of S.

Should I brush my teeth after coconut oil pulling?

You don't need to brush your teeth before oil pulling, because it will, in theory, get rid of some plaque and bacteria for you. You can, however, brush your teeth afterward. If you don't brush your teeth directly after oil pulling, make sure to rinse your mouth out really well.

Oil Pulling from a Dentist's Perspective

Do dentists recommend oil pulling?

The American Dental Association (ADA) does not recommend oil pulling to improve oral health or general well-being, citing lack of “reliable scientific evidence.” The ADA instead urges everyone to brush two times a day with a fluoride toothpaste, floss at least once a day, refrain from smoking, and see a dentist for a ...

Can receding gums grow back?

The simple answer is, no. If your gums are damaged by, for example periodontitis, the most severe form of gum disease, it's not possible for receding gums to grow back. However, even though receding gums can't be reversed there are treatments that can help to stop the problem from getting worse.

Should I brush after oil pulling?

You do not need to brush your teeth before oil pulling as the practice will remove food and bacteria from the mouth. However, it is important to brush afterwards to ensure that all of the toxins that are drawn out of the mouth are removed. If it feels weird, keep going. There's no right or wrong way to oil pull.

Should I oil pull everyday?

To maximize results, try to oil pull at least a few times per week or up to three times per day. When you first start, you can swish for about five minutes and gradually increase the duration until you are at 20 minutes. Keep in mind that oil pulling doesn't replace traditional oral care.

Is coconut oil good for receding gums?

However, if you have receding gums, it's important you talk to your dentist. The two of you can work together to create an effective treatment plan to treat your gums. Coconut oil might indeed offer some health benefits, but it doesn't repair gums and should never replace professional care.

Can oil pulling harm your teeth?

While oil pulling is safe and will not cause harm to your teeth, it CANNOT heal already decaying teeth or gum disease. Correctly pulling oil is a relatively easy process once you have gotten past the slightly unpleasant taste of the oil itself.

Why is oil pulling good for your teeth?

Several studies have found that oil pulling can help reduce the number of bacteria in the mouth, preventing tooth decay. In fact, some research has found that oil pulling may decrease the number of harmful bacteria found in saliva and plaque as effectively as a mouthwash ( 7 , 8 ).

Can coconut oil reverse cavities?

Can Oil Pulling Reverse Cavities? While oil pulling may be beneficial for reducing bacteria and preventing tooth decay or gum disease, it must be said that no amount of oil pulling can reverse cavities. A dental cavity, also known as carie, is a permanently damaged area of the enamel or dentin layer.

Does coconut oil actually whiten teeth?

The Takeaway. It's important to maintain a good oral hygiene routine with proven solutions, such as regular brushing and flossing. Coconut oil pulling is not a suitable substitute for this, and it certainly won't help whiten your teeth.

Does coconut oil whiten teeth 2021?

There's a simple fact we need to put out there right away: coconut oil doesn't bleach teeth. Coconut oil doesn't whiten teeth in the same way that actual teeth bleaching products do. It won't affect the natural color of your teeth. Bleaching is a process where color pigments are lifted from the tooth.

How long should you oil pull?

Performing oil pulling is simple—you just put a tablespoon or so of oil into your mouth, and move it around. 1 To get the benefits, you need to keep the oil moving around your mouth for a long time—five to 20 minutes each day.

Is oil pulling better than mouthwash?

The evidence

Oil-pulling is as effective as rinsing with mouthwash to maintain and improve oral health, a study from 2008 says. The study examined levels of Streptococcus mutans, a bacteria commonly found in the mouth that causes tooth decay.

How do you fix receding gums?

Where do you throw oil after oil pulling?

Once you are done with swishing, spit out the oil completely again taking care to avoid swallowing. Avoid spitting in the sink, since the oil can clog up the sink. You can spit in the toilet or in the trash can.

How long does it take to see results from oil pulling?

Proponents of oil pulling claim that, when practiced properly and with regularity, users can expect to start seeing results such as reduced plaque, cavity prevention and stronger gums in 2 – 3 months. Some users also claim that oil pulling helped remove stains from their teeth.

What happens if you swallow coconut oil?

You swallow the coconut oil following the pulling process. When you finish oil pulling, be sure to spit out the oil that has collected bacteria in your mouth. Swallowing it may result in stomach discomfort or diarrhea. You totally replace all toothbrushing, flossing, and other oral care with coconut oil pulling.

How can I rebuild my gums naturally?

Why are my gums receding so fast?

Changes in hormones: Fluctuations in hormones, like during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause, can make the gums more sensitive and more likely to develop either gum disease or gum recession. Crooked teeth or poorly-aligned bites: When your teeth don't come together properly, too much force is placed on the gums.

What toothpaste is best for receding gums?

Manufacturers claim to fame. Sensodyne have established itself as the number one toothpaste that reduces sensitivity caused by receding gums.

Does coconut oil pulling remove tartar?

Oil pulling with coconut oil

It involves swishing, or pulling, an edible oil around in the mouth through the gaps between the teeth. However, the ADA does not recommend this practice for removing plaque and tartar. So far, there have been no reliable studies to show its effectiveness.